6 Stranger Things Stars Who Have a Failed Career Outside the Netflix Show
From Noah Schnapp to Natalia Dyer, six stars of Stranger Things have struggled to find success beyond Hawkins’ supernatural glow. The show's final season opens with a flashback featuring a de-aged Will Byers, a moment that deeply resonates with actor Noah Schnapp.
He explained how he guided the young actor to match his “physicality” and breath work, before the VFX team spent months “working with 11-year-old me.”
This nostalgic glimpse closes the emotional arc of Will’s journey perfectly. Schnapp also shared he is prepared to say goodbye as the series concludes with its fifth season, releasing in three parts on November 26, December 25, and December 31.
While the series stirs strong feelings of nostalgia, not all cast members have thrived outside the strange world of Hawkins. Here’s a closer look at those whose careers have dimmed in the shadow of their Stranger Things fame.
Gaten Matarazzo
Gaten Matarazzo won hearts as the lovable and curious Dustin Henderson, becoming a fan favorite thanks to his comedic timing and genuine emotion. He was the heart of the Hawkins group.
However, beyond the iconic neon glow of Netflix, Matarazzo’s career has taken a quieter path. Before his breakthrough on Stranger Things, he was a Broadway standout, shining as Gavroche in Les Misérables and as Benjamin in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. His strong theatrical foundation gave him the confidence that translated well on screen.
Despite this, his post-Stranger Things career has not reached the same level of mainstream success.
“Stranger Things is taking fans right back to where it all began, literally,” Schnapp reflected, emphasizing the deep connection to the series’ roots.
Many actors struggle to escape the long shadow of such a defining role, and for some Stranger Things stars, the journey to broader success remains challenging.
Author’s summary: Several Stranger Things actors, including Noah Schnapp and Gaten Matarazzo, have found it difficult to replicate their TV success in other ventures beyond the show’s supernatural world.